FAQ

One of the most frequently asked questions is, "How many visits will be needed in order to get started?" I've planned my initial visit series around my answer to this question, which is four visits. Here's how that breaks down and what to what to expect in the Initial + Three visit structure:

• Initial visit- Gather Information:
  • Initial 60 to 90 minute visit where we will comprehensively review your health history, order any new labs, and discuss nutrition and supplement changes to make. You will leave this visit with a plan that includes nutrition, supplements, lab recommendations, lifestyle modification, and any referrals to get you started. 
  • Comprehensive lab review for your most recent labs with other providers for labs done within the last year
  • Review of your current medications checking for interactions with supplements
  • Review of your current supplements with the goal to streamline your list to be purposeful and effective
  • Online membership portal access for direct messaging between appointments and secure record keeping of labs and visit recommendations
• + Three follow- up visits- After the initial session, we will need to make sure you are making progress. Each visit has a specific purpose. First is to refine your plan based on labs and initial progress, second is to chart the progress you’ve made and fine tune, then we reevaluate and create long term plans
  • Refine: The first follow up is scheduled for four weeks after your initial visit. At the first follow up, we go through your lab results and progress so far.
  • Progress: After the first follow up, the second follow up appointment discusses your changes on the treatment plan.
  • Long term plans and reevaluation: follow up three is for fine tuning and making sure we’ve addressed all of your concerns. By this visit , we would see you well on your way to problem resolution, and also have a sustainable roadmap to implement going forward.

After the initial + three we will move to a la carte, or as needed, for ongoing care.

I do not work directly with insurance, but we can create a superbill for you. A superbill is a coded receipt that allows you to self- submit to your insurer using an out of network claim form. Visit fees are due at time of service and you may elect to pay in full or pay in installments. Many lab tests are covered under insurance plans. 

You may also use Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flex Spending Account (FSA) accounts for both visit and testing fees (if applicable). Sometimes FSA and HSA can also be used for supplement purchases. A letter of medical necessity may be required depending on your insurance reimbursement plan. 

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that addresses the root causes of illness and promotes health and healing using natural therapies. These therapies are often referred to as “alternative” or “complementary” in reference to the conventional healthcare model. Naturopathic physicians integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies. NDs follow six guiding principles:

1- First, Do No Harm (Primum non nocere)
Naturopathic physicians choose the most non-invasive and least toxic treatments necessary for each patient.

2- The Healing Power of Nature (Vis medicatrix naturae)
Naturopathic doctors recognize the body’s inherent ability to heal itself.

3- Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle causam)
Naturopathic doctors identify, address and remove the underlying causes of disease.

4- Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
Educating and supporting patients on personal health management is an important role for naturopathic doctors. They empower patients to take responsibility for their own health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.

5- Treat the Whole Person (Tolle totum)
This is a holistic concept that recognizes the body as an integrated whole. Naturopathic doctors treat the patient, not the disease. A naturopathic assessment addresses the nutritional status, lifestyle, family history, physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors in a person’s life.

6- Prevention (Praevenic)
Naturopathic doctors promote a focus on overall health, wellness and disease prevention.

Dr. Kelly Simms has nine years of post-secondary education, including residency. Her undergraduate coursework included premedical prerequisites in biology, psychology, English, general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. She has a bachelor of science in Biomedical Engineering from North Carolina State University, from where she graduated magna cum laude and earned her four-year doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM). She completed a one-year family practice residency in Brookfield, Wisconsin under the supervision of naturopathic doctors and conventional medical doctors. She is a licensed naturopathic physician, having passed two rounds of board exams throughout her four years at SCNM.

Naturopathic physicians are unique in their healthcare philosophy and training. They are trained to look at all body systems when evaluating a person and his or her concerns. Their training involves laboratory diagnostics, physical examination and pharmacology, but treatment considerations include a wide range of natural therapeutics.

When choosing Dr. Simms, patients are looking for the following:

• Greater focus on natural health and wellness
• Seeking an alternative to drugs or surgery
• Wellness and prevention
• Second opinions

Homeopathy is a specific system of medicine that uses diluted potencies of natural substances to stimulate the body to heal itself. Naturopathic physicians are trained in the use of homeopathy as a potential natural therapeutic treatment option.

Quality health care involves teamwork and communication, and Dr. Simms makes collaboration with other healthcare professionals a priority. Dr. Simms will refer patients to other professionals when she feels their experience or training would be beneficial. Working with a naturopathic physician in conjunction with other medical professionals can be highly beneficial for a patient.

Naturopathic modalities such as nutrition, nutritional supplementation, and herbal medicines are well researched. In addition, many naturopathic recommendations are based on basic biochemical pathways of the body, thus inherently are well documented.

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians is the national association for naturopathic physicians headquartered in Washington, D.C. For those of you not in the Chicago area, this website gives you a great way to search for an ND by location.

The Illinois professional organization for naturopathic physicians is the Illinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

• Comprehensive, individualized care
• Time to listen and understand your concerns
• Prompt response to your questions
• Ongoing support to help you reach your health goals

• Commitment to making changes
• Willingness to learn about and understand your health concern(s)
• Ongoing open communication

Currently, Illinois does not have a legal definition of naturopathic medicine and thus does not have a licensing law to define the scope of practice for naturopathic physicians. Dr. Simms holds her license to practice Naturopathic Medicine in Vermont (099.0071912) and Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist license in Illinois (164.006298). Maintenance of both licenses requires annual continuing medical education.

In states that have regulatory guidance, ND’s are required to graduate from a four-year, residential naturopathic medical school and pass and extensive postdoctoral board examination (NPLEX) in order to receive a license. Scope of practice varies from state to state, but many consider NDs primary care providers. Please visit this link to see licensing status from state to state.